Damen embarks on a new voyage with cruise newbuilding
The MSC Meraviglia is the first of a new fleet of high-tech ships MSC Cruises is launching over the next decade. Frances Marcellin went on board to speak to the team behind the ship’s cutting-edge technology
he cruise market is experiencing a period of success. The segment has been growing by around 6.7% annually for some time now and with strong growth forseen in some markets – notably China – the potential for the industry is considerable. In 2017 alone, some 26 million people embarked on a cruise vacation.
There is rising demand for expedition cruise vessels; a market segment that Damen has developed a design for already, as well as forming partnerships with industry specialists. The company’s successful SeaXplorer adventure yacht positions it well to serve this market. Damen has formed a partnership with Expedition Voyage Consultants (EVC) to ensure clients and their passengers of the best possible experience in expedition cruising. EVC provides cruise line executives, investors and operators with expert advice on planning and operating all aspects of an expedition.
Damen’s journey into the cruise world is a logical step; the group has engineering and operational experience on complex projects, for instance in the naval and offshore arenas, which serve as strong references to its capabilities.
Also, leading superyacht builder Amels, part of the Damen Shipyards Group, has extensive experience in building luxury yachts; a testimony to the comfort Damen can provide passengers.
Denmark-based naval architect KNUD E. HANSEN is a member of the Damen Shipyards Group as well as being recognised as one of the leading cruise design specialists in the world. KNUD E. HANSEN has been responsible for iconic designs such as the Phoenix World City – a design which played a pivotal role in defining the cruise industry in the 1990s.
And with Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) – already experienced and well located – Damen is able to provide support to cruise operators throughout the entire lifecycle of a vessel. DSC has sixteen yards located all over the world, including in the Caribbean and on the Atlantic coast close to turnaround port Southampton.
All of this combined with Damen’s family values, long-term vision and a commitment to working with passion, pride and quality, means that clients can take confidence in Damen as a reliable partner.
DAMEN SHIPYARDS GORINCHEM
Avelingen-West 20
Gorinchem
The Netherlands
+31 (0)183 63 99 11 (Current local time: 11:21 AM)
+31 (0)183 63 21 89
